Max Verstappen took the lead in the Formula One championship race for the first time in his career with a dominating victory Sunday at the Monaco Grand Prix, his first win on the vaunted circuit.
Verstappen took control of the race right at the start from the second position, in part because pole sitter Charles Leclerc did not start the race as a result of a mechanical issue.
Verstappen darted in front of Valtteri Bottas and led start to finish for his second win of the season and 12th of his career. The Red Bull driver took a four-point lead over seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton in the standings.
“That was master class and you're leading the championship. Well done, mate,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner radioed to Verstappen as he crossed the finish line.
It is the first time since the German Grand Prix in 2018 that Mercedes has not led the championship. Hamilton finished seventh on an uncharacteristically bad day for the usually reliable Mercedes team.
Bottas retired from the race after a right-front wheel stub axle was stripped during his pit stop and Mercedes could not remove the tire.
Verstappen sprinted over to his team and jumped into their arms after the race.
"It is so special to win here. Of course I’m very proud,” Verstappen said. “But I’m thinking ahead to the rest of the season.”
He was then greeted by tennis star Serena Williams, who waved the checkered flag and was an honorary guest at the event.
“It’s so special around here to win. It’s my first time on the podium here,” said Verstappen, whose father Jos secured two podiums in 106 F1 races and was seven-time F1 champion Michael Schumacher’s teammate at Benetton.
“I remember when I was very little, you always want to win this one.”
Including the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP last year, Verstappen has won three and finished second in the last six races.
Verstappen finished 8.9 seconds ahead of Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari.
“It’s a good result," Sainz Jr. said. “If you would’ve told me before coming to Monaco I would finish second, I definitely would take it.”
Lando Norris scored his third career podium the same week he signed a contract extension with McLaren.
“I don’t know what to say, it’s a dream to be on the podium here,” the 21-year-old British driver said. “I didn’t think it was going to happen. I’ll cherish it.”
